Halal Chinese Beef Noodles

Review

Halal Chinese Beef Noodles is at No. 1, Alley 7, Lane 137, Yanji Street, about three minutes on foot from MRT Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station. The MICHELIN Guide says it has been selling beef noodles for more than sixty years using halal-certified Taiwanese fresh beef, and it has been a Bib Gourmand for many years; a TVBS roundup of Da'an food also notes its run of recommendations, making it one of the most representative old noodle houses in the East District.

The beef noodles come braised or in clear broth. MICHELIN notes that both carry short rib, brisket and neck meat, and the broth is simmered for a long time from beef bones, deep in flavour without being greasy. A 2023 Supertaste roundup lists the clear-broth beef noodles at NT$205, while a recent TVBS report gives NT$215 to NT$280; sources differ, so check before you go. Beyond noodles, MICHELIN recommends the freshly made northeastern-style flatbread rolled with stir-fried shredded beef, and there are many stir-fries and braised side dishes.

Fans praise the balanced broth, the fragrant spicy beef noodles and beef that is soft without falling apart, and some returning after many years say the taste has not changed. Turnover is fast: orders are taken and food arrives soon after you sit. Critics have found the beef tough or too fatty and the broth bland, wondering why it is on the list, and some dislike the shared tables and lazy Susans and being moved on quickly once they finish.

According to the MICHELIN page, hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed Wednesdays, cash only. Diners warn that a line can form within twenty minutes of opening, so arrive before the doors open. Seating is mostly at shared round tables with lazy Susans that keep turning, so remember what you ordered. Parking nearby is difficult, so the MRT is easiest.

Good for anyone who likes a clean beef-bone broth and wants a long-established halal noodle shop, and for travellers who do not eat pork. First-timers can order one clear and one braised bowl to compare, plus the flatbread with beef; groups can add a few side dishes. Budget around NT$200 to NT$400 per person.